Researchers have been working for years to develop a reliable and cost-effective means of regenerating the hyaline cartilage found in the knee, with the aim of offering a minimally invasive treatment option for the millions of patients with painful knee osteoarthritis. Although this goal has been elusive so far, recent progress suggests the field may have turned a corner, and a large number of companies are now competing to win this quest, which many refer to as the “Holy Grail” of knee OA.

UK-based Orthox Ltd. has developed a meniscus replacement technology derived from the high-strength silk proteins found in spider web. The company is hoping to offer the best long-term, load-bearing solution for this underserved segment of the orthopedics market.

Carticept Medical Inc. is working to become the first company with a synthetic cartilage replacement device for use in the earlier stages of knee OA that allows immediate weight bearing, with future applications in the hand and foot. The company also is awaiting 510(k) clearance for its Navigator all-in-one orthopedic injection system combined with ultrasound guidance.